The Denmark international has struggled to get into the Gunners' starting XI, going out on loan to Sunderland and Juventus in consecutive seasons, but, after failing to secure a move away from the club in the summer, has remained at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger has previously stated that Bendtner is part of his plans and reiterated that promise, revealing that, if he applies himself, the 25-year-old could even usurp the in-form Olivier Giroud.

"Don’t forget we have Bendtner who is coming back," Wenger told the club's official website. "It is a fantastic opportunity for him [Bendtner]. Honestly, he was supposed to go, but he stayed and once he stays you have to consider him as a full player of the squad.

"If he deserves to play in front of Giroud, he plays in front of Giroud. That is as simple as that.

"He lost his way a little bit, but he is not a bad boy. He is a good guy. He took the easy way a little bit but now he realizes there are some [signals] in your career when players think that is the moment for them. He has got the message."

Wenger, however, has been delighted with the early-season form of Giroud, who has scored in four consecutive Premier League games, and has backed him to have a successful campaign.

"Let’s analyze that on a longer period [before we say he is among the best]," added Wenger. "I think there is still a lot to come from him. I am convinced that this is an important season for him.

"He is a positive guy, he has a positive charisma. He has a good physical basic stamina, and guys who have a good stamina recover, and can repeat again."